For the past three years, Adela Garcia has been in the winner’s circle at the Fitness International but won’t be back to defend her title. Last year’s runner-up, Camala Rodriquez, has made the switch to Figure, and top-contender Myriam Capes was forced to withdraw due to injury. You remove those top finishers and you’re looking at a huge opportunity for others to make a name for themselves.

Oksana has momentum on her side coming off her best season ever in 2012. Bethany Wagner has the physique to win and with an ever improving routine has the chance to take the top spot. Add in the return of Trish Warren and veteran Tanji Johsnon along with the other women and we’ve got a showdown.

Oksana Grishina stops by one last time before the Fitness International. She’s about 10 days out from the Fitness International in Columbus, Ohio and apparently has food on the brain. Read what Oksana has been cooking up en route to her run at the Fitness crown.

Oksana Grishina â€“ 2013 Fitness International Contender

Hi everyone!

It’s the week before the Arnold! Time is going so fast but, honestly, I can’t wait to get on the Arnold stage! I’ve already started packing my bags, lol. In this prep, I’ve learned a lot. First of all, from my best friend the “food Channel”. HA! I learned how to cook cheesecake, donuts, cakes (all different kinds), tiramisu, ice cream, homemade bread… the list goes on forever, haha. My friends tell me to please stop cooking, it’s too much and sometimes not tasty. Of course, I can’t taste my own cooking, so I can’t tell if it’s any good. I guess they’re trying to be still polite with me.

I love how my body changes with every workout! It’s so great that my body appreciates all of my hard work! I have 4 more performance workouts and it’s important now to be safe. I spend a lot of time to warm up my body well, so I have less risk of injury! Close to the contest I don’t have any day or night time. I eat and workout around the clock, using all 24 hours. I sleep whenever I need to and anywhere I want to, lol.

Again, I want to thank all my fans for their support through this prep! You know how much I appreciate it! See you on the Arnold stage, and also make sure to stop by the SAN booth on Saturday and Sunday. I’ll be there all day long. Don’t forget to bring some tasty food for me, lol.

IFBB Fitness Pro Ryall Vasani stops by to give us an update on her Fitness International prep. We’re under one month out from the big show in Columbus, Ohio.Â Read what Ryall’s up do and her hardbody state of mind.

Ryall Vasani â€“ 2013 Fitness International Contender
Hi Hardbody fans! Anticipation is indeed building with less than 4 weeks to go until the Arnold Classicâ€¦ Iâ€™m starting to feel excited now!

I had a very productive week in the gym. Iâ€™m still focused on building a wider back, fuller delts and calves and adding more volume to my outer quads. Iâ€™m very goal motivated â€“ Iâ€™m go back to the drawing board after each competition to re-evaluate the feedback I received from my coaches, judges and fellow competitors. I use a training journal daily to keep me focused, on track and motivated to lift heavier than the week before. Iâ€™m currently consuming around 1800 calories/day and feeling really good with the fuel I have for the amount of training Iâ€™m doing. My last competition was just December 8th and since then Iâ€™ve stayed on track with my nutrition and training. It truly has become my lifestyle as I enjoy how I look and feel when I eat healthy. This has made â€˜dieting for competitionâ€™ easier as I go â€“ the more I live it the more it becomes a greater part of me and the less extreme my diet has to be for my preps. By staying in shape and not adding more than 5Lbs of body fat to my physique in the off-season works really well for me. Not to say I donâ€™t enjoy the odd treat because OH YES I DOâ€¦ I have a guilt-free indulgence when I feel I need it (usually every couple of weeks), however Iâ€™m very focused on keeping these moments in moderation and getting right back on track. Plus the more body fat I have the harder my routine practices are. Itâ€™s like flipping around with a permanent weight vest!

The past week my primary training focus has definitely been amping up the intensity of my routine. I find the endurance component is always my greatest challenge. 2 minutes straight of go-time – flipping, pushups, strength moves and holds (and doing them all with a smile!) taxes the cardiovascular system like nothing else. So in addition to skill training and routine practices (which happens 5 days/week) Iâ€™ve been doing 4 sessions/week of interval training with a variety of work to rest ratios to hit all three energy systems. Iâ€™ve also added an endurance drill after every routine practice and Iâ€™m telling you this is really hard to do AFTER a full routine session! There have been days I can barely finish these drills and Iâ€™m crawling across the floor in a pool of sweat to get it done â€“ which is when I remind myself that if it was easy everyone would do it. I don’t believe you have to be better than everybody else. But I do believe you have to better than you ever thought you could be.

One of the leading ladies in the IFBB Pro Fitness divisions, Bethany Cisternino checks in with and update on how she trains and what she implements to avoid pain. She says, “there is no secret or magic diet that works for everyone” and no we couldn’t agree more. Bethany is under 5 weeks out from the Fitness International in Columbus, Ohio.

Bethany Cisternino â€“ 2013 Fitness International Contender
Whatâ€™s up hardbodies?! I hope you had a productive week. I am within 5 weeks of Fitness International and itâ€™s time to step it up a notch. Weight training and routine training definitely get more intense and there is no room for self â€“ doubt or excuses.

There is no secret or magic diet that works for everyone. After years of competing and manipulating my diet and training regimen I believe I have a good grip on what works and does not work for me. What works for me might not work for anyone else. I do a 12 week prep slowly incorporating cardio, then I add in routine training 6 weeks out, and I weight train hard and heavy all the way through my diet up until the week of my show.

After 18 years of gymnastics, and in my 7th year of fitness, my body cannot handle too much routine training. As I get older my muscles get sore faster, my joints ache more, so I cannot train like I used to. At most I practice my routine 3-4 times a week, most of my conditioning comes from weight training and traditional cardio. While I have learned to train â€œsmarterâ€, I have also learned there are people that specialize in muscle and joint management who can also help me. I want to be able to walk when Iâ€™m 50!

Soft tissue therapy and active stretching have become a staple in my training. Soft tissue therapy is considered a neuromuscular therapy. Soft tissue therapy (STM) techniques are designed to influence musculature, connective tissues, and the nervous system. STM has many benefits (relaxation is one) but for athletes who are constantly stressing their tissues, muscles, and metabolism, STM could be a great path for your body. STM can help muscle function and balance by releasing tension allowing the muscles to relax and regain their strength so muscle pairs work in harmony. STM can also increase blood flow to an area which increases the rate of supply of nutrients and removal of waste and possibly the substances that cause pain.

If you have any questions about soft tissue manipulation, tweet or direct message @Meridian_sports or @Shulim25. David at Meridian Sports has been a huge part of my training and every day health!

Have a â€œhardbodyâ€ week! Message me on twitter @Bfitness80 and help me decide what body part to talk about next week!
For more information on the Arnold Sports Festival visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com and use #ASF2013 in all your tweets.

Ryall Vasani was born and raised in Canada but now calls Barbados home. She’s working on a new fitness routine for her first trip to the Arnold. Ryall shares how she went from placing last to becoming a top contender in every show she enters. Find out more about hardbody fitness pro, Ryall Vasani.

A Little Bit about Me:
I was born and raised in Alberta, Canada but now, this transplanted Canadian girl, call the sandy beaches of Barbados home. In 2007, I competed in my first fitness competition (I was living in Bermuda at the time working as a Dental Hygienist) and won both the Bermuda National Championships and the Central America and Caribbean Championships to qualify for my pro status that same year. And so the dream began!
Reflecting on my 2011 Season:
I had just come off my most exciting season to date. I took 10 months off after 2010 to rest and put on some muscle. My season started in Sept 2011 and I competed in five competitions between that time and December. My results were greater than I had ever imaginedâ€¦I had finally found the right team of coaches and found my own balance with training to make a difference in where I had been placing in previous years. The highlight was indeed finishing 7th at the 2012 Olympia. It was magic. It was my first competition that I truly soaked up every moment (I am typically a bundle of nerves!) and enjoyed the actual experience of performing. My last competition in Miami ended on a high note with a win in the physique round and an overall 3rd place finish.

My 2011 season was the first season I realized that Iâ€™m not just competing to win, Iâ€™m competing because itâ€™s a huge part of the person that Iâ€™ve become. The other realization I had last season was how powerful our minds are in helping us to achieve our goals. This was the first year I believed, in my mind, that I could be a champion. Having faith in myself, working harder than Iâ€™ve ever worked before and keeping a positive attitude every day (not just at competitions) were key factors for me being the best â€˜meâ€™ ever. Win, lose or draw â€“ I showed up with a positive attitude and brought my best. You canâ€™t quit if you lose (I placed last in a competition in 2010) â€“ youâ€™ve got to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and set a plan for the next event.

My Prep for the 2013 Arnold:
I am beyond excited, honored and so thankful to be competing in the 25th Anniversary Arnold Classic. My preparation is in full swing as Iâ€™ve just returned from a productive weekend training session in Miami with my choreographer Renzo. Iâ€™m working very hard on a shiny, new routine with improved skills and a lot of energy. I also spent a week in November in Spokane, WA training hand balancing with Steve Atlas. This year Iâ€™ve restructured my training to include more skill, endurance and routine work, as this was my weaker area last year. I want people to remember my routines, to see how much fun Iâ€™m having up there and for my performance to leave them smiling and saying WOW!

As for my physique, my coach Tad Inoue has my body on track and Iâ€™m feeling really well at this time (on days when I get enough sleep!). I was delighted to receive some positive feedback about my physique last season, so now Iâ€™m working on fine tuning some areas and bringing an improved package to the stage. This is a really nice change from always needing more muscle and spending 5 days/week on heavy lifting sessions!

My greatest challenge right now is trying to balance my nutrition and fitness consulting business with a full time competition schedule. Some days I feel like a hamster on a wheel and itâ€™s all I can do to hold on. I really love my clients and my work as helping others achieve success has been the greatest part of my success. I never want to give this up, so Iâ€™ve had to slow down a bit â€“ Iâ€™m not really Wonder Woman! Iâ€™m learning what I can handle as I go. Iâ€™m also realizing that the illusive word â€˜balanceâ€™ is very difficult to achieve in this sport. I know my challenges are small compared to many and I keep this in mind every day when I wake up. Attitude is everything!

With less than 5 weeks to go until the big show I couldnâ€™t be more excited. I love to compete and I love pushing myself to be the best I can be every day. I am living my dream. For me Iâ€™ve already won!

Last year this time, Canadian Fitness Competitor Fiona Harris was preparing for the Arnold Amateur competition. This year, she’ll be heading to Columbus once again however it will be as an IFBB Pro. Fiona made an immediate impact in the top spots in 2012 and went from amateur to Olympia competitor all in her rookie year. She joins us in her journey to the Fitness International. Check out what Fiona has to say in what was a whirlwind rookie year and why she lives by the motto, “no regrets”.

Fiona Harris, 2013 Fitness International Contender

NO REGRETS
Wow, what a difference a year can make. This time last year I was prepping to compete as an amateur at the Arnold Classic and this year I will step on stage as an IFBB Pro. To say these past 12 months have been a whirlwind would be an understatement. Iâ€™ve been extremely blessed and provided with opportunities many competitive fitness/figure athletes would only dream of. Since earning my IFBB pro card at the IFBB World Championship Qualifier in April 2012, it has been an amazing ride of back to back shows taking me to new and amazing places.

One week after earning my pro card, I stepped on stage for my debut at the Pittsburgh Pro Show.Â There was definitely some fear and trepidation in joining the pro circuit so quickly, but my coaches had all the confidence in the world in me. And thank goodness they did! I walked away from my first pro show with a 3rd place finish and a bucket full of confidence. Following another 3rd place finish at the Toronto Pro Show in June, I solidified enough points to compete at prestigious Olympia. This had only been a distant dream six months earlier and now I would be having the opportunity to stand on stage with the top fitness competitors in the world.Â And what an amazing experience it was.Â It truly lived up to my every expectation!

Two weeks following the Olympia, I once again boarded the plane, this time to compete at the Arnold Europe in Madrid, Spain. Having the opportunity to travel to such a beautiful country and compete in the sport I love so much was another fantastic opportunity. As if four shows in six months werenâ€™t enough, I decided to stay the course and compete in two more shows, the Fort Lauderdale Cup and Miami Pro, in order to try and earn points for the 2013 Olympia.Â With the new qualifying system, each fitness competitor is anxious to solidify their spot for the coveted event. My approach is to do everything I can possibly do to make that happen, so that if the chips donâ€™t fall in my favor, I can honestly look myself in the eye and know I had no regrets! That is and will continue to always be my philosophy in life – â€œNo Regretsâ€.Â Train as hard as I can, give 110% effort in and out of the gym, show my passion and love for my sport and be proud of what I accomplish each time I step on stage.

Everyone always comments on how hard I train, how much I compete, how dedicated I am to the sport. And they ask me why I put myself through it? My answer is simple â€“ I love it!Â It is a privilege to compete with the best in the world in a sport that requires such self-discipline, focus, hard work and athleticism. I am as focused and determined as ever for the upcoming Fitness International.Â To be 1 of 10 fitness competitors provided with the opportunity to step onto the Fitness International stage is a privilege in itself.Â I plan to continue training as hard as possible to bring the best physique and routine I possibly can, so that I know I can step off that stage at the end of the day and say I had â€œNo Regretsâ€.

Yeshaira Robles shares her tips to preparing meals and making sure she stays on track with her busy schedule. Check out what her day is like with work, working out, being a mom and preparing for the Bikini International. Yeshaira also shares some fun photos of herself with Mr. Olympia, Jay Cutler. You can’t help but cheer for her every time you see her smile.

Yeshaira Robles, 2013 Bikini International Contender

Wow what a week!! My body is starting to feel back to normal, I love all the sore muscles. I trained every day last week Sun-Thurs Holllaaa. I did my cardio and kept my food semi-clean. It usually takes me a week to get back in action, so by the 2nd week its on. I’m starting to have the crazy competition dreams: no tanner on, my hair a mess, missing my shoes etc Ha.

I like to prepare all my meals for the week on my day off, that way I don’t have to worry about getting a meal in when I have a busy schedule. My suggestions to you guys is to cook everything in one shot: chicken, fish, sweet potatoes, rice etc.

â€¢ Weigh them out and put them in small baggiesâ€¢ Take your meals for each day and put them in a large freezer bag and freeze themâ€¢ The night before take out one bag and put in the refrigerator, that way it thaws out over-night

This is how I start my day when I’m not working:
* morning cardio on an empty stomach.
* breakfast and get my daughter ready for school.
* back home to sleep for 2 hours
* eat my 2nd meal
* gym time weights and 2nd cardio
* house duties and answer emails
* pick my daughter up from school. We always go for ice cream or a cupcake. (if I’m dieting I don’t have any, If I’m not dieting I do)
* homework, playtime, dinner and movie of choice then bed time for her
* my alone time, I like to watch TV

Last week I wrote about how I gained 67 pounds during my pregnancy. I was huge.Â I was determined to go back to my normal weight it didn’t happen as fast as I thought it would, but I made sure that I was consistent each day. Some moms out there find it difficult to drop weight and it all comes from within. You have to want it. People called it baby weight, no it wasn’t baby weight because the baby came out and I was still heavy!

If there are any new moms out there reading this never give up! Trust me, anything is possible, and I’ve made so many of my dreams come true. I’m sure you can too..Always remember that it’s not going to happen overnight, in a week or in a month. But it will Happen!

Ladies feel free to email me if you have any questions 🙂 yeshaira@gmail.com.

Champion Bikini Pro, Nicole Nagrani shares a few tips on how she stays in top shape while attending college. Anyone who has attended college knows it’s not easy to eat healthy but it can be done. How does Nicole juggle prepping for a show while attending class, finishing home work, eating all her meals and working out? Find out she avoided the “Freshman 15” and more in her top ten fit tips for students.

10 FIT TIPS FOR STUDENTSBy Nicole Nagrani

When attending school, things can get really busy when you have to go to class, finish homework, make time for studying, workout, find (healthy) food to eat, and attempt to have a social life. Yes, they say college days are your best days, but the way you treat your body in your adult-forming years can have a huge impact on your future health. Also, by forming good habits early on, you are more likely to continue taking care of yourself as you get older.

I began competing in the NPC as a teen figure competitor when I began college. Initially, my plan wasn’t to compete, but I was just attempting to avoid the â€œfreshman 15â€ by eating healthy and working out. A lot of students are going out on their own for the first time and don’t really know how to acclimate to the new freedom they are given so they go buck wild with the partying, junk food, and staying up all night. Well, I have a few tips that worked for me that helped me stick to being healthy when I began college.

1. SET GOALS – Before you embark on your fitness journey, make goals for yourself and write them down. You are more likely to achieve what you set out for if you know exactly what you want to accomplish.

2. PRIORITIZE – If you are student, whether you are in high school, college, masters program or any type of educational institution, obviously your studies are most important. Then from there, you need to determine what is most important to you. If working out is really important to you to improve your overall well-being once you lay out all of your tasks on the table, then make sure it actually become a priority!

3. MAKE A SCHEDULE – When planning out your week ahead of time, include your classes, when you would want to workout, what body part you plan on training, when youâ€™d have time to study, and when youâ€™d have time to rest. This way if you follow your schedule you will get everything accomplished that you need.

4. EAT RIGHT – It is definitely not easy to make healthy choices at college, especially if you are on a meal plan. BUT… it is possible! You just have to be conscious about the choices you are making and really attempt to stay away from the garbage. Also, you can always stock up on healthy foods that are easy to grab on the go like tuna, rice cakes, carrots, and so on.

5. GET A WORKOUT PARTNER – Itâ€™s easy to let your busy day wear you out and prevent you from hitting the gym. If you have a scheduled workout with a friend you are less likely to stand them up.

6. WORKOUT WITH MUSIC – I can’t even tell you how many times I go into the gym at my University and feel like its social hour. People go there to see friends, talk in between sets, and really just create more distractions for themselves. If you wear headphones, you are less likely to pay attention to the dude trying to interrupt your workout and get your number!

7. DRESS NICE – I am a firm believer in the idea that if you look good, you feel good. Even if I have class at 8 am, I make sure I get up ahead of time to make sure I look cute because it really reflects on my mood. When I look cute it gives me a better attitude to approach my day, and I can better apply myself to whatever I am doing. This also goes for the gym. If you wear sloppy clothes and look like hell, once you start seeing people you know you are going to want to get out of that gym ASAP. Get some cute outfits so you feel comfortable in the gym and want to sport your new attire when youâ€™re working on your fitness!

8. STUDY – When you apply your mind, you actually burn calories. Your brain utilizes a lot of nutrients that you put in your body. So maybe if you think of studying as a second workout, it wont be such a pain to actually get done!

9. GET YOUR FRIENDS INVOLVED – When you are at school and away from home, you really rely on your friends that you make to comfort you. If youâ€™re friends are also interested in working out and eating healthy, then if you all are doing it, it will be much easier. Believe me, I know what its like to be sitting around all of your friends eating pizza and drinking beers while they repeatedly try and get you to join them against your own will. So maybe if they were all on the same page as you, you wouldn’t have such a hard time resisting them.

10. LEARN BALANCE – Nobody said that if you want to eat healthy and workout, that you can’t enjoy some of the indulgences that come with being a student. Every once in a while it’s a good thing to go out and enjoy yourself and maybe have a drink or so. It wonâ€™t kill you. Don’t deprive yourself of the experience, but learn how to balance yourself between your fitness goals and college fun.

Bethany Cisternino has one of the top physiques in the Pro Fitness ranks and as her routines continue to improve so do her placings. She’s coming off a runner-up finish at the Ft. Lauderdale Cup at the end of 2012 and has positioned herself as a leading lady heading into the 2013 Fitness International. She joins us on her Hardbody Road to the Arnold and shares what a “typical day” is like. As you can see her day is anything but “typical” to most but she gets it done!

Bethany Cisternino â€“ 2013 Fitness International Contender

Balancing Act
Hello Hardbodies! Happy New Year!
I canâ€™t believe it is a short 7 weeks until I step on stage at the 25th Anniversary of the Arnold Classic! This will be my fourth appearance and it is still a huge honor and blessing to represent IFBB Pro Fitness. I remember competing in my first Fitness International feeling so lost and overwhelmed. It was so nerve racking to be up against the best and being judged by the best. To top it off (no pun intended) I had a costume malfunction and didnâ€™t get to finish my routine! Needless to say I have improved in my performance at the Arnold and I have learned to focus that nervous energy into a fierce focus that has helped me in the gym and on the stage!

In 2012 I competed in five shows! I ended my season placing 6th at the Olympia and 2nd at the Fort Lauderdale Cup in October. In fitness the two-piece round counts for 1/3 and the routine round counts for 2/3 of the total score. My goal in the two-piece round this year is maintaining a fuller look and keeping the same conditioning I have in the past. Therefore, after my last competition I took a 6 week hiatus from the gym to let my mind and muscles recover. My goal in the routine round is to bring a faster more explosive routine that the audience can get into.Â Sometimes the audience is so quiet during our routines; I hope I have picked a theme and songs the crowd will like!

Every year my biggest challenge is finding time to fit in all my training without becoming mean, short-tempered, emotional, and overly tired (Iâ€™m sure the list could go on). The Arnold is always the first week of March, which means I am teaching and full into coaching indoor track. Time is precious so I stick the same routine every day.

Each week I look forward to sharing with you news about my training, my diet, and how I am achieving my goals for this year. Stay tuned for my experiences with massage therapy and ART as I incorporate those into my training!

Jillian Michaels is one of the leading fitness personalities in the world today. She’s known for her no-bs, hard hitting approach on NBC’s The Biggest Loser and now she’s coming out with another DVD. She’s put out a number of DVDs already but this one claims to take your body to the next level. We’re not sure on how great the DVD will be but we’re sure it’s got a great name. “Hard Body” will be released in March of this year.

From AMAZON.com:
“Are you ready to take your body to the next level? Jillian Michaels Hard Body is the most effective total body workout for torching calories and transforming your entire physique. Hard Body is comprised of two 45-minute body-blasting workouts that progress in difficulty. These quick paced routines have fun, fresh new moves to deliver an incredible workout and turn your body into a lean and sexy high performance machine. Jillian also shows modifications for both beginners and advanced athletes in each workout. Get the Hard Body you’ve always wanted!”

Gina Aliotti was one of the top Figure Pros in the IFBB Pro League. She took top honors at the 2008 Figure International and was runner-up at the Olympia on three occasions. After the 2009 season Gina decided to focus on her personal life and we haven’t seen her back on stage since. Gina’s been a contributor here with various tips over the years and always one of our favorite fitness personalities. She shared the news that she was expecting her first child, back in July, and now the arrival day has come.

Gina share with her thousands of facebook fans a simple but meaningful message, “The day has come… The best day of my life! â¤” The image below accompanied the message. As you can see Gina is all smiles with the arrival of her son David Gianni Silva. Baby David arrive at 12:48am on January 13th and weight 7lbs 14ounces. Join us in congratulating Gina and her husband on this exciting news!

Today an email went out from Muscle & Fitness HERS asking which cover you like better. Featured on the two covers is reigning Figure Olympia Champion Erin Stern. The covers both feature Erin in workout wear. The callout is “Totally transform your body! You won’t believe Erin’s fat-blasting super-sculpting routine.”

Trish Warren was at the top of her game in 2011. She had positioned herself as one of the top women in Fitness after years of putting in the work. Her routines drastically improved and her physique was on point. Then her and her husband Branch (2x Arnold Classic Bodybuilding Champion) received the most exciting news of their lives… They were expecting their first child.

Trish was kind enough to share her story and a few photos with us. She shares what few knew about her delivery until now. Join us in welcoming Trish back to the stage and enjoy her journey to the 2013 Fitness International. She’s a huge inspiration to women every where and proving that you can have children and still be fit and healthy.

Trish hit the gym during her pregnancy.

Trish Warren â€“ 2013 Fitness International Contender

Happy New Year Hardbodies,

I’m back!!!! I was very excited to see my name on the Fitness International list again. I have mixed emotions about the Arnold this year, I am ecstatic to be on that stage again, yet bummed that I won’t be cheering my husband Branch on to his 3rd victory! The last time I stepped on stage was at the 2011 Fitness International where I placed my all-time best… 3rd! Shortly after I found out that I was pregnant, and Branch and I were so excited to finally become parents. Faith brings us so much joy and happiness, she completes our marriage! Tooter Maroo (Branch’s nickname for her) has been my sidekick since day one. I never let having a baby stop me from doing what I love, I just pack her up and bring her along! I don’t think she would have it any other way. She tries to dance, lunge, and squat with us, it is so stinking cute! It’s funny how a little 18 pounder can bring a smile to your face every time you look at her!

All that being said, I had a great pregnancy only gaining about 20 lbs. I continued to workout which I had hoped would make my delivery super easy. Let’s just say things didn’t go as planned. I wanted so badly to have a natural birth, but my body had other plans. I was 1 week past my due date and still not dilating. My doctor Rebecca Robert scheduled me to be induced and ordered me to arrive the night before for cervical treatments to help start the process. This was the second time I would go through this, the first time did not work and I went home for a few days before trying a much stronger treatment. When I woke I had dilated to a 2 and Dr. Robert immediately began the induction process.

I labored until 4:45 that afternoon and with every contraction Faith’s heartbeat dropped drastically, the nurses were getting very concerned which was beginning to stress Branch and I out as well. Dr Robert came in and told us that her umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck and she didn’t think she would make it much longer. At this point I was dilated to an 8 and still did not have an epidural, not because I didn’t want one, but they forgot about it with all the concern over Faith’s declining heart rate. Pain or no pain, I didn’t care what had to be done, I just wanted Faith to arrive safe. An emergency C-section was how I ended up bringing our little angel into the world. Branch barely had time to put on his scrubs before they began the process, it all happened so fast, but it was the right decision. I was later told that Faith would not be here if I had had her naturally! Life is truly a miracle from God! Now Faith is almost a year old, and I have somewhat snapped back to my pre-pregnancy self. I will admit that it hasn’t been as easy as I thought. My body went through the ringer a time or two and I am having to overcome a major surgery to step back on stage.

With only 7 weeks until the Arnold Classic, I can finally say that I am beginning to see my old self again. Everyday gives me more and more confidence that I will be as good or better than before. I continued to drill routine stuff in hopes to make it back on stage in 2012, but ultimately decided to hold off until this year. I have been competing now for 13 years, and the rest has been very good for me. I feel like my body is responding to dieting very well, and I am not having to kill myself with cardio! I am once again working with Dr. Mike Feulner, he is so knowledgeable in nutrition, and has helped me achieve my best physique to date. I am very happy how I am looking at this point, and would venture to say that I am ahead of schedule. He helped me with my pre and post pregnancy nutrition plan, which has been monumental to how my body has responded to contest dieting.

I have no expectations going into this contest. It took me a long time to work my way to the top, and I am doing everything in my power to make sure I am better than my last appearance. My goal is to prove that I still have what it takes to be a good pro, and to encourage women that nothing is impossible.

Until Next Time…

Love Life and God Bless,

Trish Warren

No Excuses! Faith goes to the gym with Trish. Momma making it fun for all!

Oksana Grishina has become a fan favorite over the years. She makes difficult moves look simple and if you dare try one of them you’d likely land on your head. It hasn’t always been roses and victory parties for Oksana. She’s had to “pay her dues” as the saying goes and she’s delivered every step of the way. She tied for 16th in her IFBB Pro debut at the 2007 Dallas Europa. Last year, she did something most never thought was possible. She finished ahead of the most decorated IFBB Fitness Pro in the history books, Adela Garcia, at the Arnold Spain competition. Oksana has established herself as one of the top contenders to this year’s Fitness International title. She joins us in her journey to back to Columbus.

Oksana Grishina â€“ 2013 Fitness International Contender

Hello guys!! My name is Oksana Grishina. Iâ€™m from Kaliningrad, a small city in Russia. I came to the USA 6 years ago to test myself as a Pro Fitness athlete. To get my Pro card I had to win both the European Championship in 2005, and the World Amateur Overall Fitness Championship in 2006. I have been competing as an IFBB Fitness Pro since 2007, and Iâ€™m looking forward to my sixth appearance on the Arnold Classic Stage in Columbus, the 25th Anniversary Arnold Classic show!

Iâ€™m really excited as I prepare my new performance for the Arnold Classic stage. This is a very creative performance. Iâ€™ve been thinking about it for a long time, but I was not ready to take on this character. I am so ready now, and Iâ€™m working hard to make it perfect for the fans. I am spending many hours on gymnastics and dance training, new moves, choreography, music, makeup, and costumes, all in a concerted effort to create something to wow the judges and excite the fans. I want to give everyone something to remember and talk about, good or bad.

People always ask me what placing I expect. Guys, from my experience in fitness, each time you prep a new routine, itâ€™s like starting from scratch, and itâ€™s hard to know how your work will be accepted or judged. All I can say is that I am going to do my best. Any other thoughts get in the way. I choose to compete with a positive attitude. I try not to think about my placing, because it is a distraction from doing my best. I am committed to doing something creative and entertaining. If you love to compete, and you love what youâ€™re doing, will your placing change anything? Do what you love to do with all your heart, and be happy with it. Iâ€™m very thankful for this opportunity to be on stage, to create something, to entertain, and to be appreciated.

When training for a Fitness competition you must prep both your body and your performance. This can be a challenge, but Iâ€™ve found a balance that works for me. I never mix performance training and weight training on the same day. I alternate weight training and performance workout days, training 6 days a week, with two additional cardio sessions each dayâ€”including on my â€œday offâ€.

The gym is my home, and I do all of this because I love it. I focus on doing my best. I want to give the fans something that will surprise them and thrill them. I love fitness, I love to create, and I love to be on stage. So, Iâ€™m already happy.

One of the most popular fitness models, Jamie Eason share some exciting news with everyone on Wednesday. In a video posted on her Facebook fan page she wished her “Future Baby Daddy” a happy birthday. She then held up a picture of the baby on the way for her 229,000+ fans to see. She later updated her fans with the news that the baby is due in late July and that she’s already sporting a little tummy.

Thanks for all of the congrats! We are so excited! We are due in late July, so I’ve already got a teeny tummy. 🙂 I want to thank those of you who have prayed for us because it really wan’t supposed to be this easy! I had my hormones checked prior to trying and the doctors weren’t too encouraging with talk about my “old eggs”. That’s always a great thing to hear! Lol! Well, I’m happy to say these old eggs did their thing (thank you, God) and all we had to do was time it right just one time. We really feel blessed and I’m excited to share this journey with you! Thank you again!!

PS…My very first craving was sour cream and onion chips of all things! 🙂

I haven’t had a lick of morning sickness (such a blessing) but I come close to falling asleep several times a day. 🙂 I haven’t done a lot of working out because I’ve been nervous about the first 12 weeks (being over 35, I’m in a higher risk group for miscarriages). My derriere is a derri-don’t right now, so I’m anxious to get back to exercising! 🙂 It’s crazy how fast muscles atrophy. I’ll keep you guys posted on some workouts I’m doing. I ate a little crazy for a few weeks during the holidays but I’ve since reeled it in and I’m back to eating right! My latest cravings are pickles and grapefruit (not together, of course)!

Canadian Fitness Pro, Myriam Capes has steadily refined her physique and honed her fitness routines into one of the best in the world. She’s a threat to the top spot in every show she enters. The 2013 Fitness International was looking no different. Until today. The folks at the Arnold Sports Festival first shared the news that Myriam has withdrawn due to injury.

Myriam finished fourth at the 2012 Olympia. Behind only Adela Garcia, Oksana Grishina and Tina Durkin. On paper it looked like this year’s Fitness International could be between her and Oksana for the win however that battle will have to wait. Myriam’s powerful routines and incredible gymnastic skills will be missed. She finished 6th at the Fitness International last year, fifth in 2011 and 8th in 2010.

An unconfirmed report of an injured back is cited as her injury. If she recovers in time we could see Myriam at the 2013 Arnold Classic Brasil. Join us in wishing Myriam a speedy recovery and return to the stage.

Update: Myriam posted a statement on Facebook. While it’s in French some of you may understand it better than BING translated if for us. HA!

I announce officially that I do competionnerai unfortunately not at the Arnold Classic this year due to a back injury. Nothing major do not worry but my State does not allow me start again through another formulation. It is after 12 years without resumed, more than 30 competition Pro to my assets including 4 OLYMPIA and 3 ARNOLD my body a little rest wonder! Then I have to listen to him to return in force in September for OLYMPIA in order to reach the podium again! Or who knows maybe before being currently under intensive treatment with the best therapists! To follow… I inform you tienderai! Mimi xo
(Translated by Bing)

Yeshaira Robles is prepping for her first trip to the Bikini International and she shares her journey with us. Follow her Road to the Arnold and read how a mom withÂ four year old daughter and full-time job juggles it all. Yeshaira is like many of us and she loves food. Will it knock her off the road to the top? Don’t bet against her, she’s proven she can be a leading lady at any show she enters and will be looking for a top spot in Columbus.

Yeshaira Robles, 2013 Bikini International Contender:

Hi Everyone!

My name is Yeshaira Robles and I’m an IFBB Bikini Pro. I’m a mom to a 4 year old girl. Let me tell you a little bit about myself.

I was a model/actress for the entertainment industry. I was pretty much average but once I got pregnant in 2007 I went from 110 to 176. After birth in 2008 I thought I would drop at least 20lbs, wrong. Ha Ha I only dropped 1 pound. After the birth of my daughter, I still went on auditions and landed a lead role for a music video. When I tell you I dropped 40lbs in 3 months I did. I ate clean, small portions every 2 to 3 hours and doing tons of cardio. I trained at home since I had a little one with me all the time. I would do lots of plyometrics at home and circuit training with 5lbs and 10lbs kettle bells. Eventually I got tired of the auditioning and long hours at video and movie shoots so I decided to take a break and get into NPC bikini competitions.

This will be my 3rd year competing. I started in 2010 and turned pro in 2011. I had a great season in 2012 and I will start 2013 off with the Bikini International.Â This is my first trip ever to the Arnold and I’m soooooo excited.Â Getting invited to the Bikini International was one of my goals/dreams besides the Olympia and winning a show 🙂

Today, I am 7 weeks out and I have officially started my diet and training for this show. I took time off from the gym and diet since my last show, well not completely off just on and off. Ha… I told myself,Â “Yeshaira you have to really come in great for this show, its the Arnold and you got Invited”. Honestly sometimes I do get lazy.

I prepped all my meals this morning, all in baggies and ready to go. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, I enjoy my egg whites, oatmeal and a good cup of coffee. Keeping a clean diet is always so difficult for me cause I love FOOD! When it was time for me to eat meal number two, I was like “oh man” Fish and Asparagus. HA!

Once I was done with work I went straight to the gym to start off my first workout of the year “Quads and Glutes” My fav… I had a really good workout I know I’m going to feel it in the morning. After the gym I went home to prep more meals for the next day. I cooked for my little girl and big man lol. I’m not going to lie but I made pepperoni flat bread pizza for my daughter and I had a bite. Food temptation is the worse LOL.

The number of IFBB Pro Fitness shows are few and far between, especially stateside this year. Now IFBB Fitness Pros have a chance to compete before the 2013 Olympia at the Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Tampa Pro. A number of pros have cited not knowing in time to properly prepare for previous shows, that’s certainly not the case here. We hope to see a number of women step up and compete in this show. A number of promoters have dropped pro fitness from their events due to lack of participation.

Tim Gardner and his team always put on a great event in Tampa. This is a welcomed addition to the event. Props to all who are involved in this Fitness addition. We’ll see you there!

We caught up with some of your favorite Hardbody Pros to get their take on New Year’s Resolutions and their 2013 mantras. Find out what champion competitors like Nathalia Melo, Adela Garcia, Nicole Wilkins and more had to say about their year in review and a look ahead.Â Some experiences were happy times, others sad and some experienced personal growth.

HARBODY Pros:

Nathalia Melo – Bikini Olympia ChampionNew Years Resolution: In 2013 I wish for Health to keep on doing what I love to do!!Â Well… Winning the Arnold Classic 2013 and keeping my Olympia tittle wouldn’t be too bad either! HahahahaMost Memorable Moment of 2012: Most definitely winning the 2012 Bikini Olympia Tittle! Also, my trip to the Capri Island, in Italy, which is a place I have always wanted to visit!Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012: ”Winning doesn’t make you a better person, but being a good person will make you a winner.” Joe CarlozoMy mantra for 2013 is: To keep on being myself and doing the things I have always believed in.

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Nicole Wilkins– Arnold/Olympia Figure ChampionNew Years Resolution: I don’t usually make New Years Resolutions because throughout the year I am constantly setting new goals.Â I do however, like the ‘fresh start’ feeling the new year brings.Most Memorable Moment of 2012: My most memorable moment of 2012 was when I took my mom and my sister with me to Finland for a week.Â It was the first time all three of us took a trip together.Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012: “A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot and realize how blessed you are.”My mantra for 2013 is: I will succeed.

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Adela Garcia – Olympia & Arnold Fitness ChampionNew Years Resolution: Â I would like to enjoy myself a little more. Get back to having fun and being the little crazy chica I used to be.Â Get on the cleaning my house more to avoid eating:) basically go back to being me.Most Memorable Moment of 2012: My fiance Trent Calavan earning his Pro Card at the 2012 NPC USAs. I won my pro card at the USAs and this was his goal and to see him accomplished that was an amazing moment for me. Ha!! Getting my 7 Fitness Olympia title!!Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012: Â Live your own life. Don’t worry what others are doing or think of you. Keep doing what you love to do because in the end, you are the one who should be happy with yourself.My mantra for 2013 is: Â “Continue to evolve in every aspect of life”

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Dina Al-Sabah– Figure / Bikini ProNew Years Resolution: Never make any!Most Memorable Moment of 2012: Getting engagedQuote or phrase that best sums up 2012: ” your United flight is ready for check-in”My mantra for 2013 is: Live every day fully

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Tianna Ta– Bikini Pro, MTV MADE CoachNew Years Resolution: I’ve noticed that during the few years I’ve been competing, I’ve been complaining more and more about my body to my friends. My New Years resolution is to embrace my body at all times of the year. I realize that I’m getting older and my body is changing with it. Sure we all strive to improve our selves, and though no one is perfect, I will continue to work hard to mold my body as perfect as I can make it. I think sometimes we forget that our “stage” bodies are not realistically our “everyday” body, so we find ourselves degrading and beating ourselves up over this. I’m making a conscious effort to learn to accept my body, even though I’m not as “lean” as I am on stage.Most Memorable Moment of 2012: 2012 was an amazing year for me!Â I was blessed to have competed in two of the worlds top shows, where only the best of the best of the IFBB compete: both the Arnold Bikini International, and Bikini Olympia! These are memories I’ll cherish and take with me for the rest of my life,esp since not everyone is able to experience these moments… However, with all of the opportunities competing in the IFBB has given me, I’d have to say my most memorable “moment” was being casted to be the coach and filming”MADE” on MTV.Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012: “Just keep moving forward and don’t give a shit about what anybody thinks. Do what you have to do, for you.” -Johnny Depp
If I listened to some of the negativity around me, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish some of the things I did in 2012, therefore, I say, f*ck em! Anything is possible, so shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars 🙂My mantra for 2013 is: Work harder, play harder but find a balance in my life! Sometimes I get over consumed with the industry and go balls to the wall, but I’m still looking to find the balance between that life, as well as my personal, with my friends and family.

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Â Candice Keene– Figure ChampionNew Years Resolution: To be a better me than last year! But mainly to challenge myself withÂ goals and certain habits. When I think of 2013, SUCCESS and HAPPY are what come to mind 🙂Most Memorable Moment of 2012: I had several very special 2012 moments, but my most memorable would be placing third at the Arnold. This was the first show of the season, and the highest placing I had in either the Olympia or Arnold. It truly was such a great feeling to know I had brought my best package to date and all of my hard work didn’t go unnoticed, and it was my ignition that fueled my fire for the rest of the 2012 season.Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012:”Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your OWN powers you cannot be successful or happy.” this phrase is by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale This man had a huge part in 2012 for me. I consistently listened to his audio books, which kept my mind fresh and optimistic. Another one I have really close to heart is, “The Rough is Only Mental.” simply said, very impacting.My mantra for 2013 is: Don’t pay mind to self doubt..Don’t second guess myself..take those leaps or risks..follow my heart,Â remain true to myself, set goals high and set to achieve them to the best of my ability! All in all, Happiness is the main ingredient for my success 🙂

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Teresa Anthony– Figure ChampionNew Years Resolution: Most resolutions fail, so with that said I don’t believe in them! I just try to live life to the best of my ability!Most Memorable Moment of 2012: Losing the love of my life & my best friend…my Mommy!Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012: Emotionally Challenged.My mantra for 2013 is: I’m not looking back at what I can’t change. I’m looking forward to setting the bar higher!

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Desiree Niemann– Bikini ProNew Years Resolution: To bring my best package yet to my pro debut and make the top 5Most Memorable Moment of 2012: Winning the title of Miss Bikini Bombshell and $10,000 CASH!Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012: “The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in ones determination.”Â -Tomy LasordaMy mantra for 2013 is: Never give up!

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Candice Lewis – Figure ChampionNew Years Resolution: My New Years Resolution is to workoutÂ lol I wish to be healthier year around not just when I’m prepping for a competition. I’m going to start by being alcohol free. I really wanted to go on a wine tour in 2013 but this will have to wait.Most Memorable Moment of 2012: My Most memorable moment was winning my first pro show at the Omaha Pro. This was one of my goals in 2012.Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012: “I Can and I will do this”My mantra for 2013 is: You have the patience and the strength and the passion to achieve your ambitions, your goals and dreams. All you need to do now, is try.

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Kristin Nunn– Figure ProNew Years Resolution: Give more than I receive.Most Memorable Moment of 2012: After four years of gong to the Arnold, finally seeing Arnold!Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012: Never let your fear decide your fate!My mantra for 2013 is: High risk, high reward!!

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Noy Alexander– Bikini ProNew Years Resolution: Â My number one resolution is to hone my listening skills. EvenÂ to long dragged out stories that I have heard 1,000 times. :)))Most Memorable Moment of 2012: The most memorable moment of 2012 was realizing my once “hobby” passion of training and competing had materialized into a career.Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012:Â Do everything with 110% effort and there will be no regrets later.My mantra for 2013 is: Â Set small goals to reach bigger goals. Turn that switch ON.Â Make it happen!

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Tawna Eubanks– Bikini ProNew Years Resolution: Make simple improvements to myself. As a person, in the gym, and in my business.Most Memorable Moment of 2012: Stepping foot and competing on the Olympia stage!Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012:Â “Success is to be doing what you love, and if your doing what you love… you’ve already beat failure.”My mantra for 2013 is: Make the most of ALL opportunities!

The New Year is right around the corner and women’s fitness magazines are focusing on building a better booty, at least on their covers. Fitness RX for Women features popular fitness spokesmodel Jamie Eason and Muscle & Fitness HERS showcases popular Bikini Pro Amanda Latona. As you can see the magazines took totally different approaches in how they feature the female posterior. We want to know which cover do YOU like better?

The two covers feature the popular models looking over their left shoulder and both are smiling. Jamie is in workout clothes but her booty is show in a pair of pants. Amanda’s cover has her in a workout top and a mid-cut pair of bottoms. When you compare the two next to each other you can see a distinct difference in how the two magazines chose to feature the female butt.

The Arnold Sports Festival will celebrate it’s 25th Anniversary next year and promises to be bigger than ever. The inaugural Arnold Classic, named for co-promoter and bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, and womenâ€™s bodybuilding contests were held at Veterans Memorial in 1989. Since then the Arnold Sports Festival has become the nation’s largest multi-sport festival.Â The 2013 Arnold Sports Festival will draw 175,000 health and fitness enthusiasts and sports fans to Columbus when it is held Feb. 28-March 3.

COLUMBUS, OHIO â€“ The nationâ€™s largest multi-sport festival, which began in 1989 with 39 male and female bodybuilders, will feature more than 18,000 athletes from 80 nations competing in 45 sports and events â€“ including 12 Olympic sports â€“ when the Arnold Sports Festival celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2013.

The inaugural Arnold Classic, named for co-promoter and bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, and womenâ€™s bodybuilding contests were held at Veterans Memorial in 1989. Inaugural champion Rich Gaspari will be among the previous winners who will return in 2013 to celebrate its 25th Anniversary.

The 2013 Arnold Sports Festival will draw 175,000 health and fitness enthusiasts and sports fans to Columbus when it is held Feb. 28-March 3. GNC, the nationâ€™s largest specialty retailer of sports nutrition products, returns as the lead sponsor for the 13th straight year.

The Arnold Sports Festival prides itself on bringing new and interesting competitions to the largest multi-sport event in the nation.

New in 2013 is the Scottish Highland Games, which will feature men in kilts performing feats of strength such as the caber toss and hammer throw. The Scottish Highland Games and accompanying Scottish Highland Dance Competition will be held at 10 a.m. on March 3 at Columbus Commons.

Also new will be the Arnold Survival Race, an extreme 5K race at Lou Berliner Park on March 2, K-1 (professional kick boxing) in Battelle Grande Feb. 28, and XPC Powerlifting at Veterans Memorial March 2-3.

The 2013 Arnold Fitness EXPO will again feature 700 booths of the latest in sports equipment, apparel and nutrition and a stage that hosts unique, non-stop competitions and entertainment that combine to make the Arnold Fitness EXPO the heart of the Arnold Sports Festival. Many Arnold Sports Festival participants are youth competing in events such as archery, boxing, cheerleading, dance, fencing, gymnastics, martial arts and table tennis. The top student-athletes compete for ten $2,000 college scholarships presented annually by the Columbus Rotary and the Arnold Sports Festival.

â€œA Daily EXPO ticket affords a great entertainment value and allows our attendees to experience a great variety of sports and events,â€ co-promoter Jim Lorimer said. â€œWe are very proud to provide the opportunity for athletes, a majority of them youth, to compete at the largest multi-sport festival in the U.S.â€

TICKET INFO:A Daily EXPO tickets include admission to the following events:

VIP Ticket Packages and individual event tickets are available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com/arnold or 800-745-3000. Daily EXPO tickets are available for $10 in advance (plus service charge) or $15 at the door of all Arnold Sports Festival venues. Children 10 and under free.

Heading into the final IFBB Fitness show of the year not many (if any) pundits were talking about Natalie Planes. Natalie flew under the radar heading into the IFBB Pro World Championships (her pro debut) but made her presence immediately known during the Fitness Routines. She was fourth heading into the routine round and won in convincing fashion on the judges’ score sheets. The routines count for 2/3 of the overall score and a solid routine propelled Natalie to her first win, in her first pro show. Natalie won the 2012 NPC Atlantic States and Team Universe before heading into this show.

Whitney Jones brought an improved physique to the stage and tied for second in the routine round, locked up a second place finish. Ryall Graber-Vasani, who many thought could win the show, had to settle for third. She was the unamious winner in the physique round but the judges didn’t favor her in the routine rounds which dropped her down to third. Fiona Harris was another contender who many thought could win the show but again the routine round plagued the Canadian and kept her out of the top spots.

ABC News / Nightline recently featured a growing (or slimming in this case) trend in Hollywood… Corsets. Corsets have been around for years but thanks to Hollywood stars they’re making a comeback as a fashion statement. Is it comfortable? It certainly doesn’t look like it from this video but what’s a little discomfort when you can have a slim, trim waistline, right?

Corsets are not only a growing trend in Fashion but they are also a popular garment for fitness fanatics. Over the years, hundreds of competitors have convinced themselves that wearing a corset (or similar garment) will ultimately slim their waistline. It’s a trick women have used for years but does it work or another gimmick? If you’re one of the ladies currently rock’n a corset, remember nothing will replace exercise and eating healthy to get a sleek, slim waistline. Check out the ABC video below for the feature on corsets as a Fashion statement.

During the 2012 Olympia weekend, Bodybuilding.com presented the 2012 Supplement Awards to a select few. This annual contest recognizes the best supplements in the fitness and bodybuilding industry. The nominees were based on sales and customer votes. The 2012 awards brought in a record 2.4 millions votes. MusclePharm took home top honors as Brand, Pre-workout and Best Packaging of the Year awards. Optimum Nutrition and BSN were also big winners taking home multiple awards.

NEWS RELEASE:Bodybuilding.com, the Internetâ€™s most-visited bodybuilding and fitness site and largest online retailer of nutritional supplements, just announced the 8th annual 2012 Bodybuilding.com Supplement Awards winners live at Joe Weiderâ€™s Olympia in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bodybuilding.com Supplement Awards have set the standard for recognition of the best products and brands in the fitness and supplement industry.

The original 70 nominations were based on sales, and since customers’ opinions are what truly count, Bodybuilding.com let the general public vote from July 13 â€“ August 31, 2012 to pick this yearâ€™s final winners. There were a record-breaking number of votes this year. Last year there were just over one million votes but this year we crushed that number with an impressing 2.4 million votes! The people have spoken loud and clear and Bodybuilding.com has listened.

The NPC Colorado State Championships were held on July 14th in Denver, Colorado. Promoter Jeff Taylor move the venue to the Buell Theater, located in downtown Denver. The Overall winners of this event not only received the title of being the state champion they also take home a Josten’s sterling silver ring an a $250 Tokyo Joe’s Gift Card. Each competitor who entered also received a $25 Tokyo Joe’s gift card.

IFBB Fitness Pro Jodi Boam has positioned herself as one of the leading ladies in fitness. She continues to refine her physique and always brings incredible strength moves to the stage. Jodi notched another win earlier this month at the Pittsburgh Pro and currently days out from defending her title as Toronto Super Show Fitness Champion. This video blog gives you a peek at the incredible strength and talent she has.

The beginning she talks a bit about what she does and why she does it and then she gets down to business. Watch as she performs the strength moves and not just ones but multiple times. We’d encourage you to try this yourself to understand how difficult they but we don’t want you to hurt yourself. Jodi makes it look easy and that’s why she’s a pro. Follow Jodi on Facebook as she tries to avoid parking tickets and dials it in for the 2012 Toronto Super Show.

Resident Hardbody, Amanda Latona shared her wildly popular cardio workout last month. A.L. is never one to disappoint and this month she delivers once again with a booty workout. Give your booty a high five with this butt blasting workout from cover model Amanda Latona. We can’t promise you’ll build a butt like Amanda’s but it’s worth a try.

Looking to build bigger shoulders? Maybe you’re bored with your current shoulder training plan and looking for a few new exercises. Check out how Figure Olympia champ trains her shoulders in this video produced by bodybuilding.com. Nicole takes you through her shoulder routine and offers a few tips along the way. The champ also shows you some of her gymnastic skills, yes Nicole competed in Fitness before she became the Figure champion she is today.

Let us know what you think of the workout after you give it a try.

If you’re looking for the compete shoulder workout including the sets, reps and helpful tips visit bodybuilding.com.

The 2012 Arnold Sports Festival is in full swing and it’s already been one to remember. The IFBB pro competitors were treated to a rare encounter when Arnold Schwarzenegger showed up at their meeting. Typically Arnold arrives in Columbus on Friday however this year a larger than life statue is being unveiled in his honor.

There were a number of hardcore juggers at the meet the pros meeting. The Arnold Amateur competitors took the stage last night and there were a number of awesome hardbody women from across the globe. Ron Avidan and Isaac Hinds were there to capture all the action for Bodybuilding.com and NPC NEWS. Check out the photos here.

The 2012 Arnold Sports Festival has arrive and we’re in Columbus, Ohio covering the epic fitness event. Things get started today and will be going non-stop until the end of Sunday. Lots of amazing athletes of various disciplines will be competing this weekend. While we’ll primarily be focused on the women’s events you can follow all the action here.